Swivel support structure

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are the design and utilitarian characteristics of a support device for supporting a cover wherein such cover is typically used to cover a vehicle such as a boat or automobile. The invention includes a dome shaped support device with a depending base configured for extending through a cover. The depending base defines an interface for being associated with a support structure such as a pole and such interface may be a swivel interface. Additionally, the support device may define a suspension interface so that a tether may be used to apply a support force from above the support device. The support device may also define a swivel device configured for being associated with a support surface such as a floor.

CLAIM TO PRIORITY

This application is: (1) a continuation in part to application Ser. No.29/416,183, filed on Mar. 20, 2012, which is a continuation in part topatent application Ser. No. 29/385,453, filed Feb. 14, 2011; (2) acontinuation in part to U.S. Pat. No. 8,069,870 which claims priority toapplication 61/059,757, filed on Jun. 7, 2008, and application61/035,345 filed on Mar. 10, 2008; (3) a continuation in part to Ser.No. 29/385,453, which is a continuation of Ser. No. 12/400,952, filed onMar. 10, 2009 and claiming priority to application 61/052,415, filed onMay 12, 2008; (4) a continuation in part to PCT/US09/36711 filed on Mar.10, 2009; (5) a continuation in part of U.S. Pat. No. 8,069,870; and (6)a continuation in part of U.S. Pat. No. 8,220,474 of which the entirecontents of all such references are incorporated herein by thisreference for all that they disclose for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate in general to the design andutilitarian features in the field of ventilator apparatuses andassociated support structure and in particular to a ventilator apparatusand associated support structure adapted for use with a vehicle coverfor items such as boats, automobiles, and any other objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Recreational vehicles such as boats and travel trailers are typicallystored outdoors when not in use. Often, a cover is placed over theentire vehicle in order to protect it from elements of the weather suchas rain, snow, sleet, ultraviolet rays, heat from direct sunlight, aswell as dirt and dust from the outside air. In this regard, a simplecover is quite effective and yet an inexpensive alternative to indoorstorage. In the prior art, the covers can comprise canvas, plastic andother generally non-porous materials. Obviously, a non-porous coverfunctions very well for its intended purpose. Neither dirt nor rain canpenetrate the non-porous material and as a result the recreationalvehicle is fairly well protected when not in use.

One problem with using a porous or non porous cover to protect a vehicleis moisture and mildew resulting from condensation and other sources ofmoisture. In a completely non porous cover, the condensation, in theform of moisture, is trapped inside the cover where it can penetrateevery unsealed surface of the covered vehicle and every electrical,mechanical and fabric component in the vehicle. In a very real sense,the trapped moisture is more damaging than the vehicle being leftuncovered. An uncovered vehicle can dry out, but a covered vehicle withmoisture trapped therewithin does not dry out and the vehicle isconstantly exposed to the moisture which over a shortened period of timecan cause a significant amount of damage.

The newer, breathable prior art materials allow some of the trappedmoisture to escape, but not completely. Even with the breathablematerials, moisture remains trapped inside the cover for a longer periodof time than it would if the cover were removed and the vehicle allowedto air dry. It is to be noted that the moisture problem is notnecessarily exclusive to the outdoors. Indeed, indoor storage, forexample, where the air is not conditioned or otherwise dry, canexperience high humidity. In such an environment, the moist air candamage a covered object or vehicle by becoming trapped under the cover.

In a commonly owned U.S. patent issued to Gridley (U.S. Pat. No.6,938,631) on Sep. 6, 2005, the applicant disclosed a new apparatus forventing a cover covering a vehicle. Such ventilation apparatus wasconfigured so that air can freely pass in and out of the space inside ofthe cover. Applicant disclosed an improved ventilation and supportdevice in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,069,870 and 8,220,474 issued to Gridley onDec. 6, 2011 and Jul. 17, 2012 respectively. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,938,631,8,069,870 and 8,220,474 are hereby incorporated by this reference forall that they disclose for all purposes.

While the applicant's prior art ventilation apparatus works well for itsintended purposes, novel improvements to the apparatus have beendeveloped and are disclosed herein.

On improvement relates to the shape of the ventilation apparatus toimprove fitment of the ventilator with a cover. Yet another improvementrelates to providing a suspension interface to assist in storage in anunused cover as well as providing support while the ventilationapparatus is associated with a cover being used to cover a vehicle. Astill further improvement relates to a ventilator support structureimprovements including a swivel interface. Additional features areprovided by combining the various new improvements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some of the objects and advantages of the invention will now be setforth in the following description, while other objects and advantagesof the invention may be obvious from the description, or may be learnedthrough practice of the invention.

Broadly speaking, a principle object of the present invention is toprovide an improved support apparatus comprising curved ventilatorplates that better associate with a cover.

Another principle object of the invention is to provide an improvedventilating support apparatus configured with a suspension interface.Such suspension interface can be used when storing a cover that is notin use (by suspending it from an elevated surface) or suspending theimproved ventilator while associated with a cover being used to protecta vehicle such as a boat. For such configuration, a support pole is notnecessary.

Another general object of the present invention is to provide animproved ventilator support system comprising swivel interface that canbe securely associated with a support surface.

For one configuration, the inventive cover ventilation/support devicecomprises a component assembly including a dome member defining adepending base, a first dome-shaped ventilator plate, a seconddome-shaped ventilator plate and a nut. Such ventilation device isconfigured so that the first ventilator plate is inserted into a holedefined by a cover (i.e. cover-hole) to be supported/vented. A secondventilator plate is associated with the first ventilator plate so thatpart of the cover surrounding cover-hole is between a portion of thefirst and second ventilator plates. The depending base extends through ahole defined at the center of each ventilator plate so that the free endof the depending base sticks out and is associated with a nut. The nutis tightened which causes the first and second ventilator plates to movetogether thereby clamping a portion of the cover between the ventilatorplates. The depending base is further configured to receive a supportstructure component such as a pole. Such support structure component isassociated with the depending base at one end and extends to a secondend associated with a support surface (such as the floor of a boat).

For yet another embodiment, the improved ventilator plate comprises acomponent assembly including a dome member defining a suspensioninterface configured to receiving a suspension device such as a ropeconnected to an elevated surface.

For still another embodiment, the improved ventilator plate comprises acomponent assembly including a dome member defining a depending basewherein said depending base defines a support structure interface at oneend and a suspension interface at the other end. The support structureinterface may also define a swivel interface.

Additional objects and advantages of the present invention are set forthin the detailed description herein or will be apparent to those skilledin the art upon reviewing the detailed description. Also, it should befurther appreciated that modifications and variations to thespecifically illustrated, referenced, and discussed steps, or featureshereof may be practiced in various uses and embodiments of thisinvention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, by virtueof the present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but arenot limited to, substitution of equivalent steps, referenced ordiscussed, and the functional, operational, or positional reversal ofvarious features, steps, parts, or the like. Still further, it is to beunderstood that different embodiments, as well as different presentlypreferred embodiments, of this invention may include variouscombinations or configurations of presently disclosed features orelements, or their equivalents (including combinations of features orparts or configurations thereof not expressly shown in the figures orstated in the detailed description).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling description of the present subject matter, includingthe best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, isset forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appendedfigures, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment of the inventionshowing a dome, a first ventilator plate and a second ventilator plate,and a nut;

FIG. 1b is a side elevated view of one alternative embodiment of theinvention comprising a suspension interface (9 b);

FIG. 1c is a side elevated view of another alternative embodiment of theinvention comprising a suspension interface (7 c);

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view, in cross section, of one embodimentof the present invention as it may appear in practice attached to acover;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational cross sectional view for one exemplaryembodiment of the dome depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3a is an exploded view of a dome and swivel interface systemshowing a side elevational cross sectional view for one exemplary of thedome depicted in FIG. 1 further defining a swivel interface (40);

FIG. 3b is a front elevational cross sectional view for one exemplaryembodiment of the dome depicted in FIG. 1 with one embodiment of asuspension interface;

FIG. 3c is a side perspective view showing a plurality ofventilator/support devices associated with a boat cover with at leastone support device comprising a suspension interface (10 b) beingsecured to an elevated support structure by a tether;

FIG. 3d is a close-up side elevational view of one embodiment of thepresent invention with a suspension interface as it may appear inpractice attached to a cover;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the gusset-surface of a female ventilatorplate according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the griping-surface of a femaleventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a female ventilator plate accordingto one possible embodiment of the invention showing a continuousgripping region;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a female ventilator plate accordingto one possible embodiment of the invention showing two gripping regionsseparated by a seam channel;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the gusset-surface depicted in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the gripping-surface depicted in FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the gusset-surface of a male ventilatorplate according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view of the griping-surface of a maleventilator plate according to one possible embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of a male ventilator plate accordingto one possible embodiment of the invention showing a continuousgripping region;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a male ventilator plate accordingto one possible embodiment of the invention showing two gripping regionsseparated by a seam channel;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the gusset-surface depicted in FIG. 10;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the gripping-surface depicted in FIG.11;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational cross sectional view of the nut of theembodiment shown in FIG. 1 taken along the line 1-1 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 17 is a top plan view of the nut of FIG. 1 and FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of a ventilator associated with oneembodiment of the invention associated with a three section telescopingpole secured in place by latching devices and further defining a swiveldevice (120);

FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of one embodiment of a swiveldevice;

FIG. 20 is back elevational view of the swivel device depicted in FIG.19;

FIG. 21 is a right side elevational view of the swivel device depictedin FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 is a left side elevational view of the swivel device depicted inFIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is an elevated perspective view of the swivel device depicted inFIG. 19;

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of the swivel device depicted in FIG. 19;

FIG. 25 is front elevational exploded view of the swivel device depictedin FIG. 19;

FIG. 26 is an elevated perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aswivel base;

FIG. 27 is a lower perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aswivel base;

FIG. 28 is bottom plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a swivelbase;

FIG. 29 is a side perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aswivel element;

FIG. 30 is a side perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aswivel element;

FIG. 31 is a lower perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aswivel nut;

FIG. 32 is a top perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of aswivel nut;

FIG. 33 is side perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of asupport structure attachment mechanism;

FIG. 34 is side perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of asupport structure attachment mechanism;

FIG. 35 is a side elevational exploded view of one exemplary embodimentof a support device comprising vent holes and defining a suspensioninterface;

FIG. 36 is an elevated perspective view of the support device depictedin FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a bottom perspective view of the support device depicted inFIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a bottom plan view of the support device depicted in FIG. 35;

FIG. 38B is a side elevational view of the support device depicted inFIG. 35 further comprising a swivel interface;

FIG. 38c is a side perspective view of the support device depicted inFIG. 35 with the exception of the dome portion which does not comprisedove-grooves and where the drawing further shows how such device mightlook when in use;

FIG. 39 is a bottom plan view of the support device depicted in FIG. 35;

FIG. 40 is an elevated perspective of a support device dome comprisingdome-grooves and defining an exemplary suspension interface at its axialcenter;

FIG. 41 is an elevated perspective of a support device dome in FIG. 40where the exemplary extends beyond the surface of the dome;

FIG. 42 is a bottom perspective of a support device dome comprising oneexemplary depending base defining an attachment interface (188);

FIG. 43 is a exploded view of a dome/swivel interface system showing abottom perspective view of the support device dome comprising oneexemplary depending base defining a first attachment interface (188) anda second attachment interface (188 b) and further comprising aswivel-interface at the free end of the depending base;

FIG. 44 is an elevated perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of afirst cover interface;

FIG. 45 is a bottom perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of afirst cover interface;

FIG. 45B is an exploded view of a dome/first cover system showing aperspective view of one exemplary embodiment of support device dome andfirst cover interface;

FIG. 46 is a bottom plan view of one exemplary embodiment a supportdevice dome;

FIG. 47 is a bottom view of one exemplary embodiment of a first coverinterface;

FIG. 48 is a side elevational view of one exemplary embodiment of asecond cover interface;

FIG. 49 is an elevated perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of asecond cover interface;

FIG. 50 is a bottom elevational view of one exemplary embodiment of asecond cover interface;

FIG. 51 is a side elevational view of one exemplary embodiment of afastener;

FIG. 52 is a top plan view of one exemplary embodiment of a fastener;and

FIG. 43 is an elevated perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of afastener.

Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specificationand appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogousfeatures or elements of the present technology. Various objects,advantages, and features of the invention will become apparent to thoseskilled in the art from the following discussion taken in conjunctionwith the drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference now will be made in detail to the embodiments of theinvention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Eachexample is provided by way of explanation of the invention, notlimitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to thoseskilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be madein the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit ofthe invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as partof one embodiment can be used on another embodiment to yield a stillfurther embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present inventioncovers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, andaspects of the present invention are disclosed in or may be determinedfrom the following detailed description. Repeat use of referencecharacters is intended to represent same or analogous features, elementsor steps. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the artthat the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodimentsonly, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the presentinvention.

For the purposes of this document two or more items are “mechanicallyassociated” by bringing them together or into relationship with eachother in any number of ways including a direct or indirect physicalconnection that may be releasable (snaps, rivets, screws, bolts, etc.)and/or movable (rotating, pivoting, oscillating, etc.) Similarly, two ormore items are “electrically associated” by bringing them together orinto relationship with each other in any number of ways including: (a) adirect, indirect or inductive communication connection, and (b) adirect/indirect or inductive power connection. Additionally, while thedrawings may illustrate various electronic components of a systemconnected by a single line, it will be appreciated that such lines mayrepresent one or more signal paths, power connections, electricalconnections and/or cables as required by the embodiment of interest.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an exploded view of one exemplary embodiment ofthe invention is presented. The ventilator (10) comprises a dome (12), afirst ventilator plate (14), a second ventilator plate (16), and a nut(8). For the illustrated embodiments depicted in the figures, ventilator(10) can be generally envisioned to include an outer portion and aninner portion. The outer portion is generally that portion of ventilator(10) that is located on the top or exterior side (“outside”) of a cover(11) (see FIG. 2) and includes the top portion of the dome (12) and afirst ventilator plate (14). The inner portion is generally that portionof ventilator (10) that is located on the under side or interior side(“inside”) of the cover (11) (see FIG. 2) and includes part of the shaftportion of the dome (12), a second ventilator plate (16), and thesecuring nut (8). Thus, the dome (12) is common to the outer and innerportions of ventilator (10).

FIG. 1b depicts a one alternative embodiment of ventilator (10) labeledventilator (10 b) which defines a suspension interface (9 b) furtherdefining an interface void (7 b). Similarly, FIG. 1c depicts a onealternative embodiment of ventilator (10) labeled ventilator (10 c)which defines a suspension interface (9 c) further defining an interfacevoid (7 c). As depicted in FIG. 3c and FIG. 3d , the suspensioninterface (9 b, 9 c) may be used to provide a support function from anelevated surface using a tether (4). For this configuration, a tether(4) or fastener is associated with suspension interface void (7, 7 b, 7c) and then secured to an elevated support structure. Such a suspensioninterface can also be used to stow a cover in an elevated position.

Referring now to FIG. 2, in the assembled view shown in FIG. 2, thecover material (11) is seen to include a hole there through with a mainportion of the cover material (11) extending radially away from suchhole and clamped between the opposed surfaces (15) and (17), of thefirst ventilator plate (14) and the second ventilator plate (16),respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 3, more details of dome (12) are considered. Dome(12) generally comprises a dome portion (12 a) and a shaft portion (12b). Dome portion (12 a) comprises a circular plate (18) having a curvedumbrella like configuration such that the axial center point (21) is theuppermost portion and the outer surface curves in a downward directionas it extends away from the axial center. By way of further explanation,the upper surface (19) of circular plate (18) has a convex configurationwhile the under surface (20) has a concave configuration.

The dome portion (12 a) serves in general to prevent rain and otherelements from entering the cover through the air vents defined by theventilator plates described later. One of ordinary skill in the art willappreciate that the domed configuration aids in such function by placingthe outer edges of the dome on a plane substantially level, or slightlylower or higher than the air vents. Consequently, the outer diameter ofcircular plate (18) of dome portion (12 a) is preferably, but notnecessarily equal to the outer diameter of the ventilator plates (14)and (16). Accordingly, the shape of dome portion (12 a) and its outerdiameter is to be consistent with its intended function and is wellwithin the knowledge of a person of ordinary skill in this art. Inaddition, embodiments where circular plate (18) is replaced by otherconfigurations (such as polygonal configurations) fall within the scopeof the present invention. A square dome, for example, would reduce thetendency for the ventilator to roll when set on a table top.

FIG. 3B depicts alternative embodiment of ventilator (10 b) where centerpoint (21) extends further from dome (12) and defines suspensioninterface (9 b) further defining interface void (7 b) extending throughcenter point (21) and to the hollow shaft portion.

Dome (12) further includes a shaft portion (12 b) that extendsdownwardly from the center of circular plate (18). For the presentlypreferred embodiment, dome portion (12 a) and shaft portion (12 b)actually comprise a single member, i.e. dome (12). Shaft portion (12 b)includes a blind axial opening (24) suitably sized to receive a supportstructure (22) (see FIG. 2, FIG. 18). Blind axial opening (24) can be ofa single diameter, tapered, or of stepped, multiple diameters to acceptpoles of different diameters. The opening is “blind” as it is closed atone end (i.e. the hole does not go all the way through). For onealternative embodiment such hole is not blind.

The outer diameter of shaft portion (12 b) includes afirst-shaft-diameter (23 a) and a larger second-shaft-diameter (23 b)thereby defining a step or flanged surface (25) there between. Inaddition, one or more axial keys (26) extend along at least a portionthe length of the smaller first-shaft-diameter (23 a) of shaft portion(12 b). Screw threads (27) are provided at the bottom of the smallerfirst-shaft-diameter (23 a) configured for receiving nut (8). Both thethreads and the axial keys may be integrally molded with shaft (12 b).The function and characteristics of these features of shaft portion (12b) are further described below. For one alternative embodiment, asdescribed later, the free end of shaft portion (12 b) may define aswivel interface.

The slightly thicker center portion (21) of the circular plate (18) isprovided to furnish extra strength to the dome in the event that a pole(22) (as shown in phantom in FIG. 2) is used to raise the cover (11) upand off of the covered vehicle or other device being protected by cover(11). Of course, the circular plate (18) can be made sufficiently thickso that the center portion (21) has the same thickness as circular plate(18). As noted above, further alternative embodiments include platemembers that can be of a variable thickness and that having other than acircular configuration (such a square so that it is more difficult forventilator (10) to roll when simply lying on a surface such as a table,for example).

In FIG. 3a , yet another alternative embodiment of the invention ispresented. For this current embodiment, shaft portion (12 b) furtherdefines dome-to-swivel-interface (40) configured for receiving aswivel-to-dome-interface (140 b) defined by one embodiment of a swivelelement (124). The features of such a configuration are defined indetail below for swivel device (120) and the disclosure there applieshere. It is noted, however, that dome-to-swivel-interface (40) mayoptionally define void (41) through which a support rod may be insertedin place of swivel element (124).

Referring now to FIG. 4 through FIG. 9, features of a first ventilatorplate (14) are considered. For the purposes of this discussion, thefirst ventilator plate (14) may be considered and described as a femaleventilator plate. It should be appreciated, however, that embodimentswhere the first and second ventilator plates are substantially identical(not male or female) fall within the scope of the present invention. Itshould also be appreciated that in the following exemplary embodimentdescription, the first ventilator plate (14) is used on the “outside” oras the outer portion ventilator plate as described above; however, thenovel improvements to the ventilator plates allow such plates to beinterchangeable so that either ventilator plate (14) or ventilator plate(16) may be used as the outer portion ventilator plate or inter portionventilator plate.

Referring to FIG. 4-9, first ventilator plate (14) comprises two opposedsurfaces defining a circular plate. For the presently preferredembodiment, the first ventilator plate (14) has an outer diameter thatis substantially the same as that of the dome (12). One ventilator platesurface is referred to as the gusset-surface (29 a) and can be best seenin FIG. 4 and FIG. 8. The opposing surface to the gusset-surface isreferred to as the gripping-surface (29 b) and can be best seen in FIG.5 and FIG. 9. For the presently preferred embodiment, first ventilatorplate (14) comprises circular venting section (35) which further definesa plurality of vent holes (30) that extend through the entirety of theventing section (35). Any number of holes may be used, however, for thepresently preferred embodiment four pairs of vent holes are used.

As can be seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 8, air vent section (35) has agenerally circular outer diameter (35 a) and a generally circular interdiameter (35 b). Vent holes (30) are defined by section (35) disposedbetween the outer diameter (35 a) and the inter diameter (35 b).Adjacent to the air vent section is generally circular shaft receiver(31) (FIG. 8) having a generally circular outer diameter of about (35 b)and a generally circular inter diameter of (35 c). Shaft receiver (31)defines center opening (37) located at the center of first ventilatorplate (14). Shaft receiver (31) is suitably sized to receive shaftportion (12 b) so that the annular surface (or edge) of shaft receiver(31) associates with step (25) (FIGS. 2 and 3) to provide a predefinedgap (5) (FIG. 2) between circular plate (18) and first ventilator plate(14). One or more axial keyways (38) are provided along the inside wallof shaft receiver (31) where such axial keyways (38) are configured toreceive one or more keys (26) (FIG. 3) in order to align the ventilatorplate and prevent rotation of the ventilator plate relative to shaftportion (12 b). Key (26) is preferably defined by shaft portion (12 b).

Preferably, but not necessarily, first ventilator plate (14) is glued orotherwise fixed to shaft portion (12 b), but alternatively can be pressfitted, fastened, or integrally formed with the shaft portion (12 b) tomaintain the first ventilator plate's relative position with dome (12).As a further alternative, the dome (12) and first ventilator platemember (14) may define a single member.

Attention is now directed to the gusset-surface (29 a) of firstventilator plate (14). As noted above, air vent section (35) defines acircular section that has a generally circular outer diameter (35 a) anda generally circular inter diameter (35 b). As best viewed in FIG. 8,air vent section (35) extends beyond the gusset-surface (29 a) apredefined distance thereby defining vent height (45). Also depicted inFIG. 1 and FIG. 8, a plurality of gusset supports (32) extend radiallyoutward from air vent section (35) and along the surface of firstventilator plate (14) toward the outer diameter of first ventilatorplate (14). Such gusset supports (32) connect the surface of firstventilator plate (14) to the side of air vent section (35) therebyreinforcing the surface of first ventilator plate (14).

In addition, gusset supports (32) extend perpendicularly from thegusset-surface a predefined gusset height (43) (FIG. 6, FIG. 8). For thepresently preferred embodiment, gusset height (43) is substantiallyequal too or less than the vent height (45). It should be noted,however, that greater gusset heights (43) fall with the scope of thepresent invention.

One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that such aconfiguration improves air flow across vent holes (30) thereby providingan improved venturi feature. For such a configuration, when air flowsacross air vent section (35) (due to wind or the vehicle being in tow orother reasons), air flows along the concave under surface (20) creatinga low pressure region above vent holes (30) thereby creating a suctioneffect which in turn improves air flow/exchange between the “inside” and“outside” of the cover.

As best seen in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, the gripping surface of the firstventilator plate (14) is considered. The gripping surface of firstventilator plate (14) includes an annular gripping-region (70) having anouter-gripping-diameter (72) and an inter-gripping-diameter (74). Aplurality of gripping-strips (34) extend along the gripping region (70)from about the inter-gripping-diameter (74) to about theouter-gripping-diameter (72). Each gripping-strip (34) defines a seriesof alternating ridges and grooves (corrugations) wherein such ridgesextend perpendicularly from the gripping surface a predefinedgripping-ridge-height. As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, each adjacentgripping-strip is separated by an alignment-tooth (78) with theexception of the griping-strips that are adjacent to a seam-channel (36)(described later). For the present embodiment of the invention, eachalignment-tooth (78) extends perpendicularly from the gripping surfaceto a predefined alignment-tooth-height. Preferably, thealignment-tooth-height is greater than the gripping-ridge-height therebyforming a raised section between each gripping-strip (34). For thepresently preferred embodiment, the gripping surface of the firstventilator plate (14) comprises thirty gripping-strips (34).

Referring now to FIG. 5, the gripping surface of first ventilator plate(14) further defines seam-channels (36) free from gripping-strips (34).Preferably, the seam-channels are disposed on opposing sides ofgripping-region (70) as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9 so thatgripping-strips (34) are divided into two equal gripping sections. Itshould be appreciated, however, that any number of seam-channels may beuse and their locations within the gripping region selected as desiredfor the application of interest. Seam-channels (36) have a predefinedseam-channel-width (80) that is suitably sized to receive the seam of acover that is to be used with ventilator (10). Such a configurationallows ventilator (10) to be installed directly over the seam of a coverwhile still providing a more even clamping force to the cover alonggripping-region (70).

Referring now to FIG. 10 through FIG. 15, features of a secondventilator plate (16) are considered. For the purposes of thisdiscussion, the second ventilator plate (16) may be considered anddescribed as a male ventilator plate. It should be appreciated, however,that embodiments where the first and second ventilator plates aresubstantially identical (not male or female) fall within the scope ofthe present invention.

The second ventilator plate (16) comprises two opposed surfaces defininga circular plate. One such surface is referred to as the gusset-surfaceand can be best seen in FIG. 10 and FIG. 14. The opposing surface to thegusset-surface is referred to as the gripping-surface and can be bestseen in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15. For the presently preferred embodiment, thesecond ventilator plate (16) has an outer diameter that is substantiallythe same as that of first ventilator plate (14).

Second ventilator plate (16) comprises circular venting section (55)which further defines a plurality of vent holes (50) that extend throughthe entirety of venting section (55). Any number of holes may be used,however, for the presently preferred embodiment four pairs of vent holesare used. As can be seen in FIG. 15, air vent section (55) has agenerally circular outer diameter (55 a) and a generally circular interdiameter (55 b). Vent holes (50) are defined by air vent section (55)disposed between the outer diameter (55 a) and the inter diameter (55b). Air vent section (55) further extends perpendicularly outward fromthe gripping-surface a predefined vent-section-height (79) (FIG. 12)forming a male-vent-section (83) (FIG. 15). The outer diameter (55 a)distance is preferably slightly less than the circular outer diameter(35) for the first ventilator plate. Similarly, the vent-section-height(79) is preferably substantially equal to vent height (45) (FIG. 8) forthe first ventilator plate. Such a configuration allowsmale-vent-section (83) to be received by the air-vent-receiver (85)(FIG. 9) defined by first ventilator plate (14).

Adjacent to the air vent section is generally circular shaft receiver(87) (FIG. 14) having a generally circular outer diameter of about (55b) and a generally circular inter diameter of (55 c). Shaft receiver(87) defines center opening (84) located at the center of secondventilator plate (16). One or more axial keyways (58) are provided alongthe inside wall of shaft receiver (87) where such axial keyways (58) areconfigured to receive one or more keys (26) (FIG. 3) in order to alignthe ventilator plate relative to the other pieces and prevent rotationof the ventilator plate about shaft portion (12 b).

Referring now to FIG. 14, attention is directed to the gusset-surface ofsecond ventilator plate (16). As noted above, circular shaft receiver(87) has a generally circular outer diameter of about (55 b) and agenerally circular inter diameter of (55 c). Adjacent to shaft receiver(87) is the air vent section defining air vents (50). Adjacent to airvents (50) is annular vent-wall (61) configured to prevent water andother materials from sliding across the gusset-surface and intovent-holes (50). A plurality of gusset supports (52) extend radiallyoutward from shaft receiver (87), through the air vent-wall (61) andalong the surface of second ventilator plate (16) toward the outerdiameter of second ventilator plate (16). Such gusset supports (52)connect the surface of second ventilator plate (16) to the side of shaftreceiver (87) and vent-wall (61) thereby reinforcing the surface ofsecond ventilator plate (16).

Gusset supports (52) also extend perpendicularly from the gusset-surfacea predefined gusset height (63). For the presently preferred embodiment,gusset height (63) is substantially equal too or less than thevent-wall-height (65). It should be noted, however, that greater gussetheights (63) fall within the scope of the present invention as long asair is allowed to freely flow across vent holes (50). As before, one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciated that such a configurationimproves air flow across vent holes (50) thereby providing an improvedventuri feature.

As best seen in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15, the gripping surface of the secondventilator plate (16) is examined. The gripping surface of secondventilator plate (16) includes an annular gripping-region (90) having anouter-gripping-diameter (92) and an inter-gripping-diameter (94). Aplurality of gripping-strips (91) extend along the gripping region (90)from about the inter-gripping-diameter (94) to about theouter-gripping-diameter (92). Each gripping-strip (91) defines a seriesof alternating ridges and grooves (corrugations) wherein such ridgesextend perpendicularly from the gripping surface a predefinedgripping-ridge-height. As shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15, each adjacentgripping-strip is separated by a non-gripping-strip section. Suchnon-gripping-strip sections form a channel definingalignment-teeth-receivers (97). For the presently preferred embodiment,the gripping-ridge-height for both ventilator plates is substantiallyequal so that the alignment-teeth (78) of first ventilator plate (14)are received by the alignment-teeth receivers (97) when ventilator (10)is assembled so that the gripping surface of both ventilator platesapply a more uniform and secure clamping force to cover (11). Inaddition, gripping-strips (91) are disposed at a point along thegripping-surface relative to axial keyway (58) that allowsalignment-teeth (78) to align with the alignment-teeth-receivers (97) offirst ventilator plate (14) when ventilator (10) is assembled.

Referring now to FIG. 15, the gripping surface of second ventilatorplate (16) further defines seam-channels (56) free from gripping-strips(91). Preferably, the seam-channels are disposed on opposing sides ofgripping-region (90) as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 15 so thatgripping-strips (91) are divided into two equal gripping sections. Itshould be appreciated, however, that any number of seam-channels may beuse and their locations within the gripping region selected as desiredfor the application of interest. Seam-channels (56) have a predefinedseam-channel-width that is substantially equal to seam-channel-width(80) for the first ventilator plate (14). In addition, seam-channels(56) are disposed at a point along the gripping-surface at a pointrelative to axial keyway (58) that allows seam-channels (56) to alignwith seam-channels (36) when ventilator (10) is assembled.

As described above, when the second ventilator plate (16) is associatedwith shaft portion (12 b) of the dome (12), the one or more keyways (58)orient second ventilator member (16) with first ventilator plate (14)such that the air vent holes (30) and air vent holes (50) are alignedproviding a air flow path between the “inside” of the cover to the“outside”.

Referring now to FIG. 16 and FIG. 17, one exemplary fastening device isdepicted. The fastening device is configured to secure and associate thesecond ventilator plate (16), the first ventilator plate (14), and dome(12) together. For the presently preferred embodiment, such fasteningdevice is nut (8). Nut (8) comprises an internal screw thread (46) sizedto mate with the external threads (27) at the bottom of shaft portion(12 b) (FIG. 3). A number of alternative fastening devices can be usedin place of the illustrated screw threads. For example, a pin inassociation with a camming slot, a lever operated cam lock, and otherlike/suitable attaching means known in the art may be used. In theillustrated embodiment, a pair of oppositely disposed wings (47) extendfrom the outer diameter of the nut (8) to permit hand tightening. Ahexagonal configuration (or other suitable configurations) canalternatively be used in lieu of wings (47). The clamping featurebetween the two ventilator plates and cover (11) is achieved bytightening nut (8) so that top annular surface (48) of the nut (8) bearsagainst an annular surface defined by second ventilator plate (16)forcing the ventilator plates together.

Yet another alternative embodiment for the fastening device comprises amagnetic material disposed in a protective material. In that spirit, Nut(8) may be composed of magnetic material or comprise magnetic materialdisposed in a protective material to protect the item being covered fromscratches. When the item being covered is a vehicle, such fasteningdevice comprises a magnetic plate disposed in a protective housing. Theprotective housing is preferably configured for being securelyassociated with nut (8). Alternatively, the protective housing comprisesinter threads (46) for receiving external threads (27). The magneticplate and protective housing is appropriated sized for the applicationof interest.

Support Structure Flip Lock Pole

Referring back to FIG. 3, it was noted above that dome (12) defines ashaft portion (12 b) that extends downwardly from the center of the domeportion (12 a). Shaft portion (12 b) includes a blind axial opening (24)suitably sized to receive a support structure such as a pole. Blindaxial opening (24) can be of a single diameter, tapered, or of stepped,multiple diameters to accept poles of different diameters.

Referring now to FIG. 18, in the assembled view of the ventilator shownin FIG. 1 where a cover material (11) is seen to include a hole therethrough with a main portion of the cover material (11) extendingradially away from the hole and clamped between the opposed surfaces(15) and (17), of the first ventilator plate (14) and the secondventilator plate (16), respectively. A support structure (100) isconfigured for being associated with the ventilator and for supportingthe ventilator and cover at a desired height. For applications wheresupport structure (100) is used with a cover ventilator as depicted inFIG. 1, and as shown in FIG. 3, the outer diameter of shaft portion (12b) includes a first-shaft-diameter (23 a) and a largersecond-shaft-diameter (23 b) thereby defining a step or flanged surface(25) there between. Such shaft portion (12 b) is thus configured forreceiving one end of a support structure.

The presently preferred embodiment of the inventive flip lock supportstructure comprises a first pole-section (102), a second pole section(104), and a third pole section (106). For the present embodiment, polesections (102) and (104) are hollow while pole section (106) may or maynot be hollow. Such pole sections are configured in a telescopingarrangement. Thus, the first pole section (102) has a slightly largerinside diameter than the outside diameter of second pole section (104)which has a slightly larger inside diameter than the outside diameter ofthird pole section (106). Associated with one end of said first polesection (102) is a swivel device (120) configured to selectively securepole sections (132) and (134) in a desired position. The opposite end offirst pole section (102) may be further associated with an end cap(142).

As depicted in FIG. 18, one end of second pole section (104) isassociated with latching device (110) which is configured to selectivelysecure pole section (106) in a desired position. The opposing end ofpole section (106) is configured for being associated with axial opening(24) of ventilator (10).

Similarly, one end of pole section (102) is associated with latchingdevice (112) configured to selectively secure pole section (104) is adesired position. The opposing end of pole section (102) is associatedwith swivel device (120). It should be appreciated that the disclosedsupport structures can be used to support many different items inaddition to cover ventilators.

Preferably, support structure (100) is constructed to minimize weight sothat it may be easily carried and adjusted using one hand. Thus, allpole sections preferably define a thin hollow pole made from a lightweight material such as aluminum where the inner profile of such tubingis ribbed for added strength.

Swivel Device

Referring now to FIG. 18-34, a swivel device (120) configured for beingassociated with one end of support structure (22) is presented. FIG. 19and FIG. 20 present a front elevational view and a back elevational view(respectively) of the assembled swivel device (120) with swivel element(124) extending perpendicularly from swivel base (122). Similarly, FIG.21 and FIG. 22 present a right side elevational view and left sideelevational view (respectively). FIG. 23 presents an elevatedperspective view of swivel device (120) while FIG. 24 presents a topplan view of swivel device (120).

For one embodiment swivel base (122) defines a support surface and anopposing interface-surface wherein the outer perimeter of said swivelbase defines a geometric figure (such as a square, rectangle, circle,etc.) suitably sized to provide a support function. A swivel elementreceiver (130) that may be either integral to said interface-surface ormechanically associated with said interface-surface defines abase-to-swivel interface (132). For one embodiment, such base-to-swivelinterface is a ball socket. Swivel element (124) defines an elongatedbody section defining a swivel-to-base interface (140) at one end and atleast one swivel element latch (144) at the opposing end (146). For thecurrent embodiment, swivel-to-base interface (140) defines a spheresuitably sized to form a snap fit with the ball socket defined by saidbase-to-swivel interface. Support structure attachment mechanism (128)is configured for receiving said at least one swivel element latch (144)and further configured for being associated with a support structure(22).

For the currently preferred embodiment and as best seen in FIG. 25,swivel device (120) comprises a swivel base (122) configured to receivea swivel-to-base-interface (140) defined at one end of swivel element(124). Swivel-to-base-interface (140) is configured to allow the swivelelement (124) to be secured in one of a plurality of positions relativeto swivel base (122) using swivel nut (126). Swivel element (124) isfurther configured with a swivel-to-ring-interface (142) and swivelelement latches (144) configured for being mechanically associated withsupport structure attachment mechanism (128). Support structureattachment mechanism (128) is further configured for being mechanicallyassociated with a support structure such as a pole.

Referring now to FIG. 26, FIG. 27 and FIG. 28, one exemplary embodimentof swivel base (122) is presented. Preferably, swivel base (122) definesa stable surface for associating support structure (22) with a supportsurface. For the currently preferred embodiment, the outer perimeter ofswivel base (122) defines a rectangular structure having a base length(121) and a base width (123). Any suitable height may be used, but forthe current embodiment, the height is much smaller than the width or thelength creating a generally plate shape structure. One surface of swivelbase (122) further defines a swivel element receiver (130) configuredfor receiving swivel-to-base-interface (140). As best seen in FIG. 25,for one embodiment, swivel-to-base-interface (140) defines a sphericalstructure extending from one end of a rod type structure and swivelelement receiver (130) defines base-to-swivel-interface (132) configuredfor releasably and movably receiving swivel-to-base-interface (140).

Swivel element receiver (130) further defines a latching interface (131)configured for being mechanically associated with an optional swivellatching device such as swivel nut (126). As depicted in FIG. 26, oneembodiment of a latching interface (131) includes threads. Theswivel-to-base-interface (140) is mechanically associated with swivelelement receiver (130) by inserting swivel-to-base-interface (140) intobase-to-swivel-interface (132) and then (optionally) securing theassociation in place by swivel nut (126). While swivel element (124) isshown extending perpendicularly away from swivel base (122) in FIG. 23,one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that swivel nut (126)may be loosened and swivel element (124) moved so that swivel element(124) does not extend perpendicularly from swivel base (122) and securedat such position using swivel nut (126). Such a feature may be used toprovide a leveling function.

Swivel base (122) further defines a support surface interface (134)configured for being mechanically associated with a support surface(such as the floor of a boat). For the preferred embodiment, supportsurface interface (134) provides enhanced gripping features so thatswivel base (122) does not easily slide across a support surface. Forthe current embodiment, support surface interface (134) further definesgripping elements (136) comprising a plurality of rectangularrecesses/cavities configured to receive sections of a support surface,such as carpet, to dampen slipping of swivel base (122) along a supportsurface. Alternatively, gripping elements (136) may define a pluralityof raised surfaces collectively defining a treaded surface structure.Any suitable gripping technology may be used.

Referring now to FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, one embodiment of a swivel element(124) is presented. For the currently preferred embodiment, swivelelement (124) has a rod section (141) (elongated body) with aswivel-to-base-interface (140) defined at one end and swivel elementlatches (144) defined at the other end. Embodiments of aswivel-to-base-interface (140) include a spherical structure definingthe general shape of a ball suitably sized to “snap” intobase-to-swivel-interface (132) which defines the general shape of a ballsocket. Such association is preferably configured to define a “snap fit”where the diameter of the spherical structure is slightly less than theball socket. Such a configuration allows the ball to move around insidethe ball socket until secured in position by a device such as swivel nut(126). Thus, when no swivel nut (126) is being used, or the swivel nut(126) is loose, such a snap fit allows swivel element (124) to moverelated to swivel base (122) without the two components separating. Suchsnap fit may be released by exerting a pulling force of sufficientstrength to at least one of swivel base (122) and swivel element (124)so that base-to-swivel-interface (132) separates fromswivel-to-base-interface (140).

Swivel-element (124) further defines a swivel-to-ring-interface (142)defined along rod section (141) between the swivel-to-base-interface(140) and swivel element latches (144). Swivel-to-ring-interface (142)is configured for mechanically associating with ring-to-swivel-interface(154) defined by support structure attachment mechanism (128). For thecurrent embodiment, swivel-to-ring-interface (142) is an angular ringsuitably sized to be inserted into void (156) defined by ring section(152) so that a surface of swivel-to-ring-interface (142) pressesagainst a lip defined by ring-to-swivel-interface (154).

The length of the rod section (141) between swivel-to-ring-interface(142) and swivel element latches (144) is selected so that suchsub-section of rod section (141) extends through the void (156) definedby body section (150) so that swivel element latches (144) mechanicallyassociate with body latch interface (157) defined by support structureattachment mechanism (128). As can be seen in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, theend (146) of rod section (141) distal to swivel-to-base-interface (140)is bifurcated thereby defining rod gap (143) configured to allow apinching force to move the opposing sides of swivel element latches(144) closer together. By making distance (145) from the end points ofopposing swivel element latches (144) slightly longer than the innerdiameter (151) of void (156), swivel element latches (144) can bepinched together and rod section (141) inserted into void (156) untilswivel element latches (144) extend through support structure attachmentmechanism (128) allowing swivel element latches (144) to move apart andmechanically associated with body latch interface (157) thereby securingswivel element (124) to support structure attachment mechanism (128).

Referring now to FIG. 33 and FIG. 34, one exemplary embodiment of asupport structure attachment mechanism (128) is presented. For thecurrent embodiment, the support structure is a round hollow pole. Thus,support structure attachment mechanism (128) defines a hollowcylindrical insert having a body section (150) defining an outerdiameter (153) and further defining an inner void (156) having an innerdiameter (151). The outer surface of body section (150) comprises aplurality of alternating valley and ridges running along the length ofthe body section (150) to define a corrugated surface. One end of bodysection (150) further defines ring section (152). Thering-outer-diameter of ring section (152) is longer than the outerdiameter (153) so as to define a support structure interface (155)configured for associating with the end of a support structure. Further,the length of outer diameter (153) is slightly less than the length of ahollow support structure so that body section (150) may be inserted intothe support structure until support structure interface (155) comes incontact with a surface of the support structure thereby providing a stopfunction (i.e. such a configuration stops the support structureattachment mechanism (128) from completely entering the hollow supportstructure).

Similarly the ring section (152) further defines aring-to-swivel-element-interface (154) configured for being associatedwith the swivel-to-ring-interface (142) defined by swivel element (124).The inner diameter of ring section (152) is slightly larger than theinner diameter (151) of body section (150). Thus, when the rod section(141) is inserted into void (156), the rod section (141) extends throughbody section (150) until swivel element latches (144) associated withbody latch interface (157) and swivel-to-ring-interface (142) associateswith ring-to-swivel-interface (154).

Referring now to FIG. 31 and FIG. 32, one embodiment of a swivel nut(126) is presented. Swivel nut (126) defines a hollow nut body (160) andopposing nut wings (162) extending away from nut body (160). The innersurface of nut body (160) defines nut latching element (168). For thecurrent embodiment, nut latching element (168) includes female threadsconfigured for receiving the male threads defined by latching interface(131). Nut body (160) further defines a nut-to-swivel-interface (164)configured for associating with a surface of swivel element (124). Aswill be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, when swivel nut(126) if fully tightened, movement between swivel element (124) andswivel base (122) becomes more difficult.

Swivel/Support/Ventilator Apparatus

Referring now to FIG. 35 through FIG. 53, exemplary embodiments of aswivel ventilator support device is presented. As depicted in FIG. 35and FIG. 38c , support device (180) comprises a dome (182) comprising adome portion (183) and a depending shaft portion (184) wherein the axialcenter (186) of said dome portion is the upper most portion (for anon-grooved dome as depicted in FIG. 38c ), an wherein such outersurface curves in a downward direction extending away from said axialcenter (186) a predefined distance thereby defining adome-outer-perimeter that is one of a generally circular perimeter and apolygonal perimeter (such as a hexagon, octagon, etc.). The dependingshaft portion (184) extends downwardly from said axial center (186) andfurther defines a first dome-attachment-interface (188). Support device(180) further comprises a first-cover-interface (190) and asecond-cover-interface (200) configured for supplying a clamping force(see FIG. 38c ) to a cover (11) to be supported when fastener (189) istightened. Embodiments where depending shaft portion and firstdome-attachment-interface are integrated into a signal component fallwithin scope and spirit of the invention.

FIG. 36 and FIG. 37 present a top perspective view and a bottomperspective view respectively of support device (180) wherein domeportion (183) defines dome-groves (181) that intersect at axial center(186). Alternative embodiments included domes with no dome groves, onedome groove, two intersecting dome groves as depicted in FIG. 36, or anyplurality of grooves.

For one exemplary embodiment, dome (182) further defines asuspension-interface (187) at axial center (186). For the currentlypreferred embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 40 and FIG. 41,suspension-interface (187) defines a hole which may extend beyond thesurface of dome-portion (183, FIG. 41). Optional dome-accessory (185,FIG. 36) may be included for embodiments where a suspension interface(187, 187 b) is defined at the axial center (185). Examples, wherein thesuspension interface (187) is a hole, of dome-accessories (185) includea plug, cleat, rope fasteners, and lighted plug. A lighted plug, forexample, may include a plug configured for being inserted in tosuspension interface (187) wherein in said plug comprise a battery, alow power consumption light generator such as an LED that is furtherconnected to an accelerometer to provide an independent brake lightfunction when a vehicle is being towed.

Restated, the light senses acceleration and self-activates.

As best seen in FIG. 40 through FIG. 43, dome (182) is considered inmore detail. Dome (182) comprises a dome portion (183) and a dependingshaft portion (184) wherein the axial center (186) of said dome portionis the upper most portion (for a non-grooved domes as depicted in FIG.38c ). The outer surface of dome portion (183) curves in a downwarddirection extending away from said axial center (186) a predefineddistance thereby defining a dome-outer-perimeter that is one of agenerally circular perimeter and a polygonal perimeter (such as ahexagon, octagon, etc.). The depending shaft portion (184) extendsdownwardly from said axial center (186) and further defines a firstdome-attachment-interface (188). Any suitable attachment interface maybe used including threads and resilient/flexible snaps/tabs. For theembodiment in FIG. 42, such attachment interface defines threads. Thedepending shaft portion (184) may be solid or hollow or a mixture ofboth. For the currently preferred embodiment, depending shaft portion(184) is hollow. Further, the suspension interface (187) is a hole atsaid axial center (186) so that an object (such as a rope) may be passedthrough suspension interface (187) and through depending shaft portion(184). Restated, hole (187) extends all the way through dome portion(183) and since depending shaft portion (184) is hollow, a void extendsall the way through the dome portion (183) and depending shaft portion(184). With such a configuration one may insert a tether such a as ropethrough suspension interface (187) and through hollow depending shaftportion (184), tie a knot in the end of such rope and pull the rope backthrough the shaft portion until the knot reaches hole (suspensioninterface) (187). Other suspension interfaces (187) configurationsinclude dome-accessories (185) as described above.

For one embodiment, no suspension interface (187) is provided and thehollow shaft portion (184) defines a blind opening so that a pole may beinserted into depending shaft portion (184) to supply a supporting forceto support device (180). Although, it should be further appreciated thatfor embodiments where the diameter of the hollow section of dependingshaft portion (184) is greater than the diameter of the hole definingsuspension interface (187), a pole may be used to supply a support forcewhere the outer diameter of such pole is greater than the diameter ofhole (187).

For the currently preferred configuration, the length (177) of dependingshaft (184) is preferably selected so that the shaft-free-end (176) doesnot extend beyond fastener (189) when support device (180) is assembledas depicted in FIG. 38.

For one alternative embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 38B and FIG. 43, thefree end of depending shaft portion (184) further defines ashaft-swivel-interface (175). For such configuration, the length (177 b,FIG. 43) of depending shaft (184) is selected so thatshaft-swivel-interface (175) extends at least partially beyond fastener(189) as depicted in FIG. 38B). One example of a shaft-swivel-interface(175) is a ball socket as disclosed earlier for swivel-to-base-interface(140). Such ball socket is configured for receiving a swivel ballthereby defining a swivel interface. Such ball socket may be either“sighted” (i.e. where (i) there is a hole in the middle of the ballsocket, (ii) the depending shaft is hollow, and (iii) there is a hole ataxial center of dome portion) or “blind” (one or more of the previousmentioned openings/holes are not provided).

As before, swivel element (124) defines an elongated body sectiondefining a swivel-to-shaft interface (140 b) at one end and at least oneswivel element latch (144 b) at the opposing end. For such embodiment,swivel-to-shaft interface (140 b) defines a sphere suitably sized toform a snap fit with the ball socket defined by said shaft-to-swivelinterface (175). Such a snap fit configuration allows the swivel element(124) to move relative to depending shaft portion (184).

As best seen in FIG. 43, the free end (176) of depending shaft (184) mayfurther define a second dome attachment interface (188 b). Oneembodiment of such attachment interface includes threads. For such aconfiguration, the swivel element (124) may be secured in one of aplurality of positions relative to support device (180) using a fastener(such as a nut) configured for being associated with second domeattachment interface (188 b, FIG. 38B). Stated differently, thedepending shaft portion defines threads configured for associating witha nut configured to secure a swivel ball in said ball socket toattenuate movement between said swivel ball and said ball socket whensaid nut is tightened.

As depicted in FIG. 38B, for the current embodiment, a support structureattachment mechanism (128) is used to mechanically associate swivelelement (124) with a support structure such as a pole.

As best seen in a FIG. 44, FIG. 45, FIG. 45b , and FIG. 47,first-cover-interface (190) is considered in more detail.First-cover-interface (190) comprises a disc-portion (192), alower-band-portion (194), and a first clamping-ring-portion (196)extending radially and outwardly therefrom. Such components may defineone integral component or a plurality of mechanically associatedcomponents. Disc-portion (192) defines a disc-hole (191) in theapproximate center thereof, wherein the outer diameter (192 d, FIG. 44)of said disc-portion (192) is shorter/smaller than saiddome-outer-perimeter so that dome-portion (183) provides an umbrellafunction to disc-portion (192). Additionally, as depicted in FIG. 45B,the diameter (195) of said disc-hole (191) is larger than the diameter(193) of said depending shaft portion (184) so that depending shaftportion (184) can be inserted through Disc-portion (192). For thecurrent embodiment, at least part of the surface of the disc-portiondefining the outer boundary of disc-hole (191) further defines adisc-attachment-point (197) (i.e. threads “B”, FIG. 45B). For thecurrently preferred embodiment, disc-attachment-point (197) definesthreads “B” configured for being mechanically associated with threads“A” (i.e. the first dome-attachment-interface (188)), defined bydepending shaft portion (184).

For embodiments where support device (180) is further configured toprovide a venting function, disc-portion (192) defines at least one vent(199) there through configured to transfer air from one side ofdisc-portion (192) to the other side. When the support device (180) isassociated with a cover (11) as depicted in FIG. 38c , such aconfiguration provides an air transfer function from one side of cover(11) to another side. For the embodiment depicted in the variousdrawings, disc-portion (192) defines a plurality of equally sized roundholes that extend through said first-disc portion (192). Any number andsize and shape of such vent (199) holes may be used without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the present invention.

First-cover-interface (190) further comprises a lower-band-portion (194)that extends downwardly from said disc-portion (192, FIG. 45). The innerdiameter (201) of said lower-band-portion (194) is greater than thediameter (195) of disc-hole (191). The outer diameter of saidlower-band-portion (194) is less than the outer diameter of firstclamping-ring-portion (196). A surface of said lower-band-portion (194)defines a lower-band-attachment-point (198). For the current embodiment,lower-band-attachment-point (198) defines threads on the outer surfaceof said lower-band-portion (194).

As depicted in FIG. 44 and FIG. 45, the first clamping-ring-portion(196) comprises an upper surface (210) and lower surface (211) connectedby a peripheral edge (212). A Clamping zone (179) is defined along saidlower surface (211) between the outer diameter of said clamping-ring(196) and the outer diameter of said lower-band-portion (194) whereinsuch clamping zone is configured for being associated with a cover (11)to be supported as depicted in FIG. 38 c.

Support device (180) further comprises a second-cover-interface (200)comprising second-clamping-ring (202). Second-clamping-ring (202)comprises an upper surface (204) and lower surface (206) connected by aperipheral edge (208). A second-clamping-region (201) is defined alongupper surface (204) between the outer-diameter (207) ofsecond-clamping-ring (202) and the inner-diameter (209) ofsecond-clamping-ring (202) wherein such second-clamping-region isconfigured for being associated with a cover (11) to be supported asdepicted in FIG. 38 c.

For the currently preferred embodiment, the inner-diameter (209) of thesecond-clamping-ring (202) is substantially equal to the inner-diameterof clamping zone/region (179) and the outer-diameter ofsecond-clamping-ring (202) is substantially equal to the outer diameterof first-clamping-ring-portion (196). One of ordinary skill in the artwill appreciated that such a configurations allows lower-band-portion(194) to be inserted into said second-clamping-ring (202) so that thesecond-clamping-ring (202) may be moved along lower-band-portion (194)until the second-clamping-region (201) (upper surface (204)) becomesadjacent to clamping-region (179) defined by ring-lower-surface (210)thereby creating a pinch point that defining a clamping zone.

As depicted in the various drawings, the clamping surfaces offirst-clamping-ring-portion (196) and the second-clamping-ring (202) arecontoured or beveled to improve fitment between the support device (180)and cover (11). In fact, for the second-clamping-ring (202) embodimentdepicted in FIG. 48, FIG. 49, and FIG. 50, second-clamping-ring (202)defines the general shape of a beveled washer.

Referring now to FIG. 51, FIG. 52, and FIG. 53, support device (180)further comprises a fastener (189). Fastener (189) is configured foradjustably associating with lower-band-attachment-point (198) so thatfastener (189) moves along the surface of lower-band-portion (194). Asfastener (189) moves along the surface of lower-band-portion (194),fastener surface (215) presses against lower-surface (206) ofsecond-clamping-ring (202) thereby causing second-clamping-ring (202) tomove along lower-band-portion (194). When fastener (189) is beingtightened or engaged, the second clamping ring (202) moves toward thefirst-clamping-ring-portion (196) thereby causing the firstclamping-region and the second clamping-region to define a clampingforce there between (clamping-zone (179)). When a cover is in theclaiming-zone (179), support device (180) becomes mechanicallyassociated with such cover (11).

While the present subject matter has been described in detail withrespect to specific embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated thatthose skilled in the art, upon attaining an understanding of theforegoing may readily adapt the present technology for alterations to,variations of, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, thescope of the present disclosure is by way of example rather than by wayof limitation, and the subject disclosure does not preclude inclusion ofsuch modifications, variations, and/or additions to the present subjectmatter as would be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

What is claimed is:
 1. A swivel device configured for being associatedwith a support structure, said swivel device comprising: a swivel basedefining a support surface and an opposing interface-surface wherein theouter perimeter of said swivel base defines a geometric figure suitablysized to provide a support function; a swivel element receiver that isone of (a) integral to said interface-surface and (b) mechanicallyassociated with said interface-surface, wherein said swivel elementreceiver further defines a base-to-swivel interface; a swivel elementcomprising an elongated body section defining a swivel-to-base interfaceat one end and at least one swivel element latch at the opposing end;and a support structure attachment mechanism configured for receivingsaid at least one swivel element latch and further configured for beingassociated with a support structure.
 2. A swivel device as in claim 1,wherein said support structure attachment mechanism defines a hollowcylindrical body defining at least one body latch interface at one endand wherein the inner diameter of said hollow cylindrical body is largerthan the outer diameter of said elongated body, and wherein the lengthof said elongated body is longer than the length of said hollowcylindrical body and wherein said elongated body is inserted into saidhollow cylindrical body until said at least one swivel element latchmechanically associates with said at least one body latch interfacethereby securing said swivel element to said support structureattachment mechanism.
 3. A swivel device as in claim 2, wherein saidelongated body further defines a swivel-to-ring-interface disposed alongsaid elongated body between said swivel-to-base interface and said atleast one swivel element latch.
 4. A swivel device as in claim 3,wherein said hollow cylindrical body further defines aring-to-swivel-interface configured for being associated with saidswivel-to-ring-interface defined by said swivel element.
 5. A swiveldevice as in claim 4, wherein said swivel-to-base interface is generallyspherically shaped defining a ball with said elongated body extendingtherefrom and wherein said base-to-swivel interface is a cylindricalblind hollow tube defining a ball socket suitably sized to receive saidball in a snap fit configuration allowing the swivel element to moverelative to said swivel base.
 6. A swivel device as in claim 5, whereinthe outside surface of said cylindrical blind hollow tube definesthreads.
 7. A swivel device as in claim 6, further comprising a swivelnut defining threads configured for mechanically associating with thethreads defined by said cylindrical blind hollow tube wherein said nutis configured to secure the swivel element to said swivel base therebyadding resistance to movement between said swivel element and saidswivel base when said nut is tightened.
 8. A swivel device as in claim1, wherein said elongated body further defines aswivel-to-ring-interface disposed along said elongated body between saidswivel-to-base interface and said at least one swivel element latch andwherein said hollow cylindrical body further defines aring-to-swivel-interface configured for being associated with saidswivel-to-ring-interface.
 9. A swivel device as in claim 8, wherein saidswivel-to-base interface is generally spherically shaped defining a ballwith said elongated body extending therefrom and wherein said whereinsaid base-to-swivel interface is a cylindrical blind hollow tubedefining a ball socket suitably sized to receive said ball in a snap fitconfiguration allowing the swivel element to move relative to saidswivel base.
 10. A device for supporting a cover, said devicecomprising: a dome comprising a dome portion and a depending shaftportion wherein the axial center of said dome portion is the upper mostportion an wherein the outer surface curves in a downward directionextending away from said axial center a predefined distance therebydefining a dome-outer-perimeter that is one of (a) a generally circularperimeter, and (b) a polygonal perimeter, and wherein the said dependingshaft portion extends downwardly from said axial center and furtherdefines a first dome-attachment-interface; a first-cover-interfacecomprising a disc-portion, a lower-band-portion, and a firstclamping-ring extending radially and outwardly therefrom, wherein: saiddisc-portion defines a disc-hole in the approximate center thereof,wherein the outer diameter of said disc-portion is shorter than saiddome-outer-perimeter and wherein the diameter of said disc-hole islarger than the diameter of said depending shaft portion, and wherein atleast part of the surface of the disc-portion defining the outerboundary of said disc-hole further defines a disc-attachment-point; saidlower-band-portion extends downwardly from said disc-portion and whereinthe inner diameter of said lower-band-portion is greater than thediameter of said disc-hole and wherein the outer diameter of saidlower-band-portion is less than the outer diameter of said clamping-ringand wherein a surface of said lower-band-portion defines alower-band-attachment-point; and said clamping-ring comprises an uppersurface and lower surface connected by a peripheral edge wherein aclamping-region is defined along said lower surface between the outerdiameter of said clamping-ring and the outer diameter of saidlower-band-portion wherein said clamping-region is configured for beingassociated with a cover to be supported; a second-cover-interfacecomprising a second clamping-ring wherein the inner diameter of saidsecond clamping-ring is longer than the outer diameter of saidlower-band-portion and shorter than the outer diameter of said firstclamping-ring so that said lower-band-portion can slide through saidsecond-clamping ring; and a fastener configured for adjustablyassociating with said lower-band-attachment-point so that the firstclamping-region and the second clamping-region define a clamping forcethere between when said fastener is adjusted; and wherein said domefurther defines at least one of (a) a suspension interface defined atsaid axial center, (b) a dome-to-swivel interface defined at the freeend of said depending shaft portion, and (c) a pole interface defined atthe free end of said depending shaft.
 11. A device for supporting acover as in claim 10, wherein said depending shaft portion is hollow andwherein said dome portion defines a hole there through at said axialcenter thereby defining a suspension interface and wherein the free endof said depending shaft portion further defines a sighted ball socketconfigured for receiving a swivel ball thereby defining a swivelinterface.
 12. A device for supporting a cover as in claim 10, whereinsaid depending shaft portion is hollow and wherein said dome portiondefines a hole there through at said axial center thereby defining asuspension interface.
 13. A device for supporting a cover as in claim10, wherein the free end of said depending shaft portion defines a ballsocket configured for receiving a swivel ball thereby defining a swivelinterface.
 14. A device for supporting a cover as in claim 13, whereinthe free end of said depending shaft portion extends beyond saidfastener and wherein at least part of the outer surface of the free endof said depending shaft portion defines threads configured forassociating with a nut configured to secure a swivel ball in said ballsocket to attenuate movement between said swivel ball and said ballsocket when said nut is tightened.
 15. A device for supporting a coveras in claim 10, wherein said disc-portion defines at least one vent holethere through thereby providing a venting function between the outsideand inside of said cover.
 16. A method of supporting and venting acover, said method comprising the steps of: supply a dome comprising adome portion and a depending shaft portion wherein the axial center ofsaid dome portion is the upper most portion an wherein the outer surfacecurves in a downward direction extending away from said axial center apredefined distance thereby defining a dome-outer-perimeter that is oneof (a) a generally circular perimeter, and (b) a polygonal perimeter,and wherein the said depending shaft portion extends downwardly fromsaid axial center and further defines shaft-threads; associating afirst-cover-interface comprising a disc-portion, a lower-band-section,and a first clamping-ring extending radially and outwardly therefromwith said dome so that said depending shaft portion extends through ahole defined at the center of said disc-portion and wherein the outerdiameter of said disc-portion is shorter than said dome-outer-perimeter;configuring a surface of the disc-portion defining the outer boundary ofsaid disc-hole to further define threads configured for being associatedwith said shaft-threads thereby securing said depending shaft portionwith said disc-portion; configuring the lower-band-portion to extenddownwardly from said disc-portion wherein the inner diameter of saidlower-band-portion is greater than the diameter of said disc-hole andwherein the outer diameter of said lower-band-portion is less than theouter diameter of said clamping-ring; configuring a surface of saidlower-band-portion with lower-band-portion-threads; configuring saidclamping-ring so that the outer diameter of said clamping-ring is longerthan the outer diameter of said lower-band-portion thereby definingclamping-ring-upper surface and opposing clamping-ring-lower surfaceconnected by a peripheral edge thereby defining a clamping-region alongat least part of said lower surface between the outer diameter of saidclamping-ring and the outer diameter of said lower-band-portion;providing a second clamping-ring wherein the inner diameter of saidsecond clamping-ring is longer than the outer diameter of saidlower-band-portion and substantially equal to the outer diameter of saidfirst clamping-ring so that said lower-band-portion can slide throughsaid second-clamping ring thereby allowing the second clamping-ring tobe positioned adjacent to said first clamping-ring; providing a fastenerconfigured for adjustably associating with saidlower-band-portion-threads so that the first clamping-ring and thesecond clamping-ring press together as the fastener is tightened therebygenerating a clamping force there between; and configuring said dome tofurther define at least one of (a) a suspension interface defined atsaid axial center, (b) a dome-to-swivel interface defined at the freeend of said depending shaft portion, and (c) a support pole interfacedefined at the free end of said depending shaft portion.
 17. A method ofsupporting and venting a cover as in claim 16, wherein said dependingshaft portion is hollow and wherein said dome portion defines a holethere through at said axial center thereby defining a suspensioninterface.
 18. A method of supporting and venting a cover as in claim16, further comprising the steps of configuring the free end of saiddepending shaft portion to define a ball socket configured for receivinga swivel ball thereby defining a swivel interface.
 19. A method ofsupporting and venting a cover as in claim 18, further comprising thesteps of configuring at least part of the outer surface of the free endof said depending shaft portion with threads configured for associatingwith a nut configured to secure a swivel ball in said ball socket toattenuate movement between said swivel ball and said ball socket.
 20. Amethod of supporting and venting a cover as in claim 16, furthercomprising the steps of configuring said dome portion with a tetherpoint configured for receiving a tether.